LIGHTING CHARGES.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 245, 12 July 1928, Page 5

LIGHTING CHARGES.

THAMES VALLEY BOARD. Board Member’s Visit. As a result of the strong dissatisfaction expressed by the Putaruru Town Board in regard to lighting and power charges, Mr. J. W. Anderson, representative for the district, visited Putaruru last week. The chairman reported that he had taken Mr. Anderson round the town and introduced him to several members and ratepayers’’ who had laid their complaints to him in person. After hearing a number, Mr. Anderson had stated he did not wish to hear any more, as he was perfectly satisfied there was legitimate grounds for strong complaint, and that there was some defect over and above faulty meter-reading. Full notes had been made and Mr. Anderson had promised to bring the matter up again at the next meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board. Mr. Barr Brown: Do we get a rebate on the hall? The chairman stated that remained to be seen. Martinsville had recently complained in regard to faulty lamps and the Power Board’s engineer blamed a faulty purchase, and stated that he was seeking a rebate from the merchants. Mr. Barr Brown: There are complaints all over their territory as far as I can see. I don’t think we should let the matter rest. The chairman: We must wait and see what happens after Mr. Anderson’s report. He was firmly convinced there was something radically wrong quite apart from meter-reading. Mr. Lindsay: There is no doubt about that. I worked my plant more after Easter than at that period; yet I paid 7s 6d more at Easter.

Mr. McDermott stated that his complaint had been adjusted and his deposit refunded. To adjust matters with their books the Power Board put the meter on 2000; units. The chairman: Faulty wiring appears to be part of the trouble, though Mr. Anderson did not appear to think so. One light I pass every night usedi. to go out regularly every few days. I suggested to the Power Board’s man that overhaul the wiring and after demurring he did so. The result is the lamp hasn’t heen out since, and that’s about a year ago. Similar trouble happened at Tirau. *'i Mr. Barr Brown: Is Mr. Anderson going to fight for us? The chairman: Undoubtedly. ' The reason he didn’t reply to our letter was that there was no meeting. Mr. Barr Brown: He might have acknowledged it. The chairman: Well he came in person, and I agree that after getting acknowledgment of his report the the board should take the matter up again if satisfaction is not given. Mr. Tomalin: Oh,. I think so, too. It was then agreed to let the matter drop pending a further report.